This document reflects on the documentary film "The People Speak" and discusses its impact. It notes that the film highlights perspectives of history that are often ignored in textbooks and features first-hand accounts of injustice. The author reflects on how important it is for students to consider multiple perspectives and question dominant narratives. As a teacher, they aim to foster critical thinking in students and integrate literature and social studies to provide more accurate historical information from various viewpoints.

1. The People Speak
Naisha Lyons
KSU M.ED

2. Reflection
After viewing the people speak, I am proud to
know that everyone does not believe what is
written in our history books. One of the most
powerful quotes from the movie for me came at
the beginning. Zinn stated that he wanted to hear
the voices of the people that have been ignored.
This statement for me is phenomenal. I was
always taught that there is two sides to every
story. America has it’s side written in every
textbook across the nation.

3. Reflection
What about the other side? Isn’t it just as important
to hear from the people that suffered during these
times? Do we not care? Hearing the words of
people through history is incredible. It amazed me
how so many groups were fighting for the same
thing. Justice. Some of the most emotional words
came from the people that experienced injustice
first hand. It must have been difficult to live in a
nation that wanted you to fight for them but would
not fight for you.

4. Reflection
This movie shows how important it is to look at
different perspectives of history. Everything is
not as squeaky clean as it appears. As a teacher,
it is our duty to provide students with accurate
information that is age appropriate. There are
many ways to do this by integrating literature
and social studies.

5. Fostering Critical Thinkers
One of the takeaways that I will implement in
my class is to continue to foster critical thinkers.
This is one of the most important duties that I
have as a teacher. I want my students to
question, question, question. Having the ability
to critically think about situations and problems
can benefit them for the rest of their lives. In the
movie, the words we heard were from people
that did not accept things how they were. They
decided to speak up.

6. Using Language Arts
Throughout the course of the film the actors
used language arts to present history to the
viewers. I can use this in my classroom by
allowing my students to put on plays, do readers
theater and living museums. Incorporating rich
literature that supports what we are learning in
social studies is a easy but great way to integrate
the content areas.

7. Various Perspectives
Exposing my students to various perspectives of
an event can build awareness and compassion.
In kindergarten, students have to learn empathy
for others around them. Explaining another
persons point of view can help with this. I will
implement this in my classroom by holding class
meetings where student can discuss any issues
or feelings that they have in a supportive
environment that is free from judgment.